Rare White Stork Spotted at Okhla Bird Sanctuary

A rare white stork (Ciconia ciconia) was first spotted on 1 November 2026 at Okhla Bird Sanctuary, on the Delhi-Noida border. The sighting drew naturalists, ornithologists and wildlife photographers to the wetland.

Delhi-NCR sighting records

The species has four recorded sightings in Delhi-NCR over nearly three decades. Before the latest sighting, it was recorded near Jewar in March 2019, at Okhla in March 1992 and February 2005, and at Palwal in 2004–05.

Birders said the individual could be Ciconia ciconia asiatica, a distinct population that breeds in Central Asia, mainly Uzbekistan and southern Kazakhstan. Its global population is estimated at fewer than 2,000. The population migrates towards wintering grounds from Iran to the Indian subcontinent.

Identification and habitat

The white stork has a white body, black wing feathers, a long red bill and red legs. It is a long-distance migrant and feeds on insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, small mammals and small birds. The sighting has renewed attention to the role of protected wetlands in providing habitat for rare migratory birds.

Important Facts for Exams

• Soaring route: White storks generally detour over land around the Mediterranean because thermals do not form over water, avoiding energy-intensive flapping flights.
• Nest reuse: White storks are monogamous, and both partners build a large stick nest that may be reused for several years.
• Learned migration routes: White stork flocks are often led by older birds, while young storks learn their migration route on their first journey.